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TC dishes on 2013 Mets plans

• Jenrry Mejia will work as a starting pitcher in spring training, while Jeurys Familia will audition as a reliever. If Familia ends up in Triple-A, he likely would work in Las Vegas' rotation.

Would Mejia move to a major league bullpen role late in spring training if the projected rotation remains intact? Collins said that would be a call for a higher authority than him.

If one of Dickey or Niese is traded then Mejia would be the obvious choice to get first shot at the starting rotation imo. Wheeler will get his shot, but later in the season. Mejia should get a legitimate opportunity.

I would like to see him and Familia battle for that spot in the rotation, but I think Familia would be a guy they use in the pen since he is more receptive to that plan than Mejia. If not he can go back to AAA and start there.

• Brandon Hicks, who was acquired from the Oakland Athletics, is penciled into the backup infield role formally held by Ronny Cedeno, who is now a free agent. Collins said that with so many other needs, it's unlikely the Mets will pursue a candidate with better credentials.

"A guy who can play shortstop. He's got some power," Collins said. "He's got a great arm. As we're here right now, he is that guy. At the moment, I think our focus is on a couple of other areas."

I figured this when that deal was done unless the Mets go and trade or sing for another middle infielder.

• The Mets are targeting Johan Santana to make between 28 and 30 starts next season, despite Santana getting shut down this past season and not pitching after Aug. 17.

Well is nice to dream, but if he gives the Mets a solid 15 starts in the 1st half, the Mets must trade him and try to get something for him while eating most of the contract.

• Lefty reliever Tim Byrdak, returning from the same shoulder surgery Santana and Chris Young previously underwent, may begin throwing in May with an eye toward contributing in the second half.

Although Collins said late in the season he wanted a veteran southpaw reliever signed, he now believes the competition for youngsters Josh Edgin and Robert Carson will come from left-hander Scott Rice, who was signed to a minor league deal.

Collins said prospect Darin Gorski, who has started in 74 of 90 career minor league appearances, will get a look in spring training as a lefty specialist as well. Lefties hit .219 and righties .251 against Gorski with Double-A Binghamton this past season. Gorski was added to the 40-man roster this winter to protect him from Rule 5 draft consideration.

Rice could be a solid pick up as a second loogy. I like that they may use Gorski as a possible lefty out the pen too, with the depth of the Mets pitching staff that may be the only way he makes the team.

• While Justin Turner is only playing second and third base in winter ball, Collins said he is serious about giving Turner exposure to the outfield during spring training. Collins said outfield coach Tom Goodwin will work daily with Turner in February/March.

Not a fan of seeing more Turner.

• Ike Davis will be an everyday first baseman -- not platoon player -- in 2013, Collins pledged.

"Ike needs to play every day," Collins said. "You look at last year, I think he hit eight or nine of his homers against left-handed pitching, which means he can do some damage. To put up the numbers we think he's capable of putting up, he needs to be an everyday guy."

I agree, but I still would like the Mets to get a guy with some pop to give him some nights off against those tough tough lefties.

• Matt Harvey is locked into the 2013 rotation. Zack Wheeler ideally would have a midseason call-up, as Harvey did last season. However, Collins acknowledged that if a starting pitcher is traded this offseason, perhaps Wheeler can force his way onto the staff for April.

I would not like to rush Wheeler and have him start at AAA and Mejia start, but if Mejia is not doing the job and Wheeler is doing well in Las Vegas, then a promotion should be done.

• Collins' contract, which is only in place through 2013, has not come up for discussion. "It hasn't been brought up, and it certainly is not an issue," Collins said. "Getting this team better is what the issue is."

I am sure he wants a new deal.

• Frank Francisco, signed for 2013 at $6.5 million, is the closer. No debate.

No ****ing way!!!!

• Collins is convinced Ruben Tejada will report early to Port St. Lucie, Fla., for spring training.

I really wanted the Mets to inquire about Keppinger too, it's too bad he broke his leg failing down a flight of steps. He can play around the INF and especially be a good RH bat when the Mets are up against LHP.

I really wanted the Mets to inquire about Keppinger too, it's too bad he broke his leg failing down a flight of steps. He can play around the INF and especially be a good RH bat when the Mets are up against LHP.

Didn't we have him at one point? He rarely strikes out I would take him over Turner anyday.

Well is nice to dream, but if he gives the Mets a solid 15 starts in the 1st half, the Mets must trade him and try to get something for him while eating most of the contract.

I believe he will make it to the ASB healthy and with a decent record. Some part of me says that they will try to hold on to him all year, though. I really hope not. Seriously, just eat the money and get something back for him.

On the other hand, do we get a draft pick if we let him walk next year?

Not a fan of seeing more Turner.

Not a fan of seeing Turner in the outfield, but I have no problem with him as a utility guy. He's been very effective off the bench and plays multiple positions.

I agree, but I still would like the Mets to get a guy with some pop to give him some nights off against those tough tough lefties.

How about signing Scott Hairston and giving him some time at 1B in addition to the OF?

Depressing reading that. More flip flopping with familia, more praising of garbage(hicks) and francisco, more pipe dreams(santana having 30 starts), and the same bullpen except with more question marks.

The only positives brought up were Davis playing everyday, even though that should have never been an issue and matt harvey in the rotation with wheeler coming in mid season.

Kepp would be great on our bench this year. The probability we sign him, though, is 0%. There's talk we are meeting with Cesar Izturis this week. Unfortunately, that's a guy we might sign as a utility IF. Good glove - weak bat, and cheap contract. I'd much rather see us re-sign Ronny Cedeno or get Ryan Theriot. But the devil we have is cheaper than the devil we have to sign, so I'm afraid Brandon Hicks looks like the man.

AdamRubinESPN Just reread offseason blueprint for #Mets published during final series in Miami. 2 months later still pretty accurate:

"You don't know how to drink. Your whole generation, you drink for the wrong reasons. My generation, we drink because it's good, because it feels better than unbuttoning your collar, because we deserve it. We drink because it's what men do."